Fethard’s U8 and U11 rugby teams bring in New Year on the pitch

A chill wind blew across the Community Field on Sunday last as Fethard welcomed both Mitchelstown and Kilfeacle rugby clubs to see in the New Year.

A chill wind blew across the Community Field on Sunday last as Fethard welcomed both Mitchelstown and Kilfeacle rugby clubs to see in the New Year.

Fortunately the rugby was warm enough for all. A very shaky start by Fethard U11s saw Kilfeacle put two early scores on the board and a bit of unseasonal advice from the coaches left no doubt in anyone’s mind that Christmas was over and the time for giving was past.

As ever, some strong running from Eabha Fitzgerald and Ethan Cohen saw Fethard make progress up the field; the rucking re-emerged and both Eoin Walsh and Angus Macdonald won excellent ball for their team. A continued improvement saw Ethan cross the line to make the half-time score 3-1.

As so often in the past, Fethard seemed to need the first half to wake up and certainly the second half here was completely different, good confident running from Mathew Burke and Mathew Gleeson, with Sam Quigley driving on, saw more scores coming. Soon it was three-all with tries from Eabha and Jack Hassett getting rewarded for his consistent hard work and textbook support play. Eabha, coming back from injury, soon added her second score to put Fethard in the lead but Kilfeacle came back and levelled the game with seconds to go. The time was up and both teams knew the next time the ball went dead would be the end and neither wanted to settle for a draw, Kilfeacle would have had it if it were not for Richard Robinson’s match saving tackle which drew the appreciation of the whole crowd, some loose play ensued and Eoin Walsh gathered and charged for the line; evading tackles and breaking free of some desperate defending. The Fethard player saw the line and dived! The final whistle went leaving it 5-4 to Fethard!

Well done and commiserations to Kilfeacle who were missing players.

Fethard U8

Fethard U8s turned out in force for their New Year game against Kilfeacle. The Fethard panel of 12 performed really well with fantastic tackling throughout from David McCormack, Robbie Noonan, Micheál Blake and consistent tackling with great gusto from Padraig O’Dwyer, Tomas Ryan and Louis Ryan. Great teamwork from Jack Quinlan, Mark Neville and William Noonan also contributed with fine tackling during the game. Great back was given in the passing from Andrew Connorton and Ana Quigley-O’Dwyer. Paric Heffernan added to this team’s great play throughout. The players improved their rucking over the ball effectively as a team and played their best game of rugby so far this season. Thank you and well done to the players for an enjoyable and fine display. Special thanks for the kind donations of food from parents and the help in the kitchen afterwards.

Next week the minis are away to Clanwilliam (Tipperary Town) on Sunday.

Munster Rugby kindly agreed (if they have sufficient numbers) to hold coaching courses in Clonmel Rugby Club for minis and foundation rugby. If any parents are interested in taking the course please can you contact Polly 0863394959.

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